Cafes have been the really in-thing lately and all the aspiring cafes have been fighting for the hotspots in Singapore to mark their territory. We are used to finding cafes in places like Tanjong Pagar, Tiong Bahru and shophouses along the Singapore River, but slowly, we are spotting more and more cafes penetrating into the void decks of our HDB blocks.

Personally, I really love these neighbourhood cafes. They are quaint, peaceful and full of surprises. As much as I would like to keep them a secret so I could enjoy the serenity every time I visit, I also wish to share with you places where you could enjoy a piece of haven away from the city.

So here are 5 cafes you could find at your neighbourhood!

1. Creamier @ Braddell

Besides its ice cream which are yummylicious, this quaint little cafe located alongside the other traditional neighbourhood stores is a true gem for its peaceful ambience. Natural sunlight spills into the interior, providing a comforting ambience where you could reminisce your happy memories. The seats at the window are perfect for you to gaze into the picturesque view of the playground and the swaying leaves of the big trees in the wind.

2. Maple & Market @ Mountbatten

If you frequent Old Airport Road for the delicious hawker food, you would be happy to find this cafe for some post-dinner desserts. Located within the neighbourhood behind the hawker centre, Maple & Market gives a blinding contrast to the void deck. There isn’t any scenic view out of the cafe, but you have a sweet corner where you could read a book and get lost within the story. This is the place to go if your sugar-tooth is making a calling as their homemade cakes would definitely sweeten your day.

3. Relational Goods @ Joo Chiat {Closed}

For those who don’t stay in the matchbox houses of this city, I have something for you as well! A new setup in the Joo Chiat area, Relational Goods is a promising cafe by the same people behind Group Therapy. It is just hidden behind the famous Fei Fei Wanton Mee and if you happen to find it, you are in for a really delicious treat. The breakfast and mains are cooked to perfection and your tummy would be so pampered. If I lived in the area, I would be there for breakfast almost every other day, given its affordable prices as compared to its parent branch. This is where you would go to “lim-kopi” in your shorts and tee, read newspapers and just chill your day away.

4. W39 @ Clementi

If you are used to people calling your area “ulu”, you can now return that comment with a smirk because you have W39 behind you! Finally there’s some cafe luck in the west, so treasure this good fortune! If just sitting in a quaint cafe isn’t enough for you, the childhood favourite goodies and games could entertain you during your visit. The yellow, white and blue colour theme is a pleasant combination and its cute wooden furniture make it homelier than ever. During its quiet hours, you could enjoy the afternoon breeze at its alfresco area, typing away on your laptop (free wifi!) and sipping on your afternoon tea. Oh did I forget to mention, they serve really good mains?

5. Ciel Patisserie @ Hougang

photo credits to Ciel Patisserie Facebook

Ciel Patisserie has opened its door for almost a year and it has gained popularity with its delectable selection of desserts. Tucked away under a HDB at Hougang, it is now a favourite to the residents, especially the kids! They take pride in making their desserts a pretty treat, and the prices are probably the cheapest you could find for such a standard! This is the plus point about HDB cafes – unbeatable prices. The space isn’t too big, so pick your timing right and you could be promised with a peaceful tea time less the excited squealing of young kids!

Bonus. Necessary Provisions @ Bukit Batok

photo credits to Necessary Provisions Facebook

There’s hope for the west. Just opened lately, Necessary Provisions is getting a lot of social media buzz. I have yet set foot in this cafe, but the attraction is pretty strong. Located deep within the residential area, I am sure it is yet another peaceful haven. You could take the deep dive before me and let me know what surprises you unveil!

I am pretty satisfied with this list of neighbourhood cafes as most of them are my personal favourites. With these cafes tucked in our neighbourhoods, we can enjoy cafes without having to travel out to town. If they don’t happen to lie in your vicinity, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and start finding these amazing places as they would be worth your trips!

She started cafehopping.sg with the love for cafe culture - the perfect marriage between a good cuppa and a relaxing environment. She adores cafes with intricate interior and will die for divine desserts, droolicious brunch and great coffee. Other than cafes, she loves cats, marketing and ultimate frisbee.